Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán, situated 1560 meters above sea level, is believed to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Apart from changing color constantly during the day, the lake also reflects in its waters the three majestic volcanoes (Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro) surrounding it.

The natural beauty of the lake is further accentuated by 12 charming villages surrounding it. In the villages, named after the Apostles, men and women still wear their traditional clothing and speak their traditional languages.

Chichicastenango

In the town of Chichicastenango, located in the department of Quiché, people are still very attached to their Mayan heritage.

Although Chichicastenango is small in size, it bustles with life and activity on market days when venders and buyers from all over the Highland meet in the town center.

A main attraction is the colonial church of Santo Tomás built over 450 years ago.

Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango is Guatemala’s second largest city. In the city center we admire a beautiful plaza surrounded by numerous neoclassical buildings which remind us of the golden years in the beginning of the 20th century.  During this period production of coffee was predominant in this region and under the control of German expats.

Apart from being the agricultural heartland of the entire country, it’s also of vital importance to the commercial activity in the Highlands.

Xela is a good base for exploring the region and some of the Indian Highland villages as Zunil, San Francisco el Alto and the volcanic hot springs of Fuentes Georginas.